Dentists (Zahnärzte)
- German Language Proficiency
- B2 General German: Like medical doctors, you need a B2-level certification in the German language from recognized institutions (e.g., Goethe Institute or Telc).
- C1 Medical German: You also need C1-level proficiency in medical German, which covers terminology specific to dentistry.
- Application for Approbation
- Submit your application to the relevant authority (Approbationsbehörde) in the state where you intend to work.
- Required Documents:
- Dental Degree: Certificate of your dental degree and academic transcripts.
- Proof of Identity: Passport or national ID.
- Proof of Good Conduct: A police clearance certificate from your home country and/or Germany.
- Health Certificate: A medical certificate proving you’re physically and mentally fit to practice.
- CV (Curriculum Vitae): Detailed CV with your education and clinical experience.
- Proof of Residency: If already in Germany, you need a residence certificate.
- Certified Translations: All documents not in German must be translated by a certified translator.
- Recognition of Your Foreign Dental Degree
- Degree Equivalency Check: German authorities will assess whether your dental degree is equivalent to the German dental education standards. If your degree was obtained in the EU/EEA, it may be automatically recognized.
- Non-EU/EEA Degrees: If your degree is from a non-EU/EEA country, the authorities will compare your education to German standards.
- Deficit or Knowledge Examination (Kenntnisprüfung)
- If your dental degree is not fully equivalent to German standards, you may be required to pass a Knowledge Examination (Kenntnisprüfung). This exam tests both practical and theoretical dental knowledge, covering areas like oral surgery, prosthodontics, orthodontics, and general dentistry.
- Preparatory Courses: There are courses designed to help you prepare for this exam, especially focusing on German dental practices and terminologies.
- Temporary License (Berufserlaubnis)
- While waiting for your full Approbation or if you need to take the Knowledge Examination, you can apply for a temporary dental license (Berufserlaubnis). This allows you to work under supervision in a dental clinic for a limited period, usually up to two years.
- Final Approbation Decision
- After passing the Knowledge Examination (if needed) or if your degree is recognized, you will be granted Approbation. This is a full license to practice as a dentist in Germany.
- For non-EU/EEA citizens, once you have Approbation, you can apply for a work visa and residency permit to live and work in Germany.
- Registration with the Regional Dental Council (Zahnärztekammer)
- After receiving your Approbation, you must register with the regional dental council (Zahnärztekammer). This body oversees professional standards and ongoing education for dentists.